AV Architects + Builders

Our desire to build our own house started many years ago, however we were not ready at that time to do so nor had we found the right builders to do it with. But, 5 years ago my husband started to look for builders that were building the kind of home we wanted, a vacation home for our daily busy lives with lots of lights, fantastic outdoor spaces and practical living spaces, and we found the perfect architects to help us in that endeavor - AV Architects and Builders. We looked for what they had built and liked their approached and style, and decided to start building from abroad so by the time we would move back to the US our home would be ready. Little we knew a pandemic was going to stop the world in so many ways, but we were very happy we had chosen AV Architects and Builders as they never dropped the ball and made sure the project could continue. We have moved into our beautiful new home in October 2021 and are super happy with the work AV Architects and Builders did for us. Just amazing! We encourage you to go and see what they are building and we are certain that if you are looking for modern and open spaces that connect naturally with your outdoors spaces you will just fall in love with what they are building!

If you are even thinking about a new home you definitely should start with AV Architects. My husband and I have been dreaming about a new home for 15 years. Between caring for aging parents and travel fatigue we just couldn’t get our dream started. We saw Francisca and Tony’s house on Runner Road in Great Falls and everything fell into place. We had found our vision and the people to make it happen. We contracted with AV to build our forever home. We have been living in a 1932 cape cod for 30 years and we’re ready for some space and luxury. We sat with Francisca and Tony and described what we had in mind. A short time later, they showed us their interpretation of our dream and it was spot on. Now we had to find the right property to build on. Francisca with her role as realtor was able to direct us to properties that she knew would work with our dream home. She was patient but persistent in finding properties for us to review. When we had an interest, she would call upon her engineers and design team to ensure it would work. As one would expect… we had several rejects but ended up finding the prefect lot in the perfect location. When the seller balked at a 15 days study period. Francisca was able to call on her engineers for a quick evaluation to ensure no issues before we submitted our final offer. How amazing. She was able to get us that added element of certainty. Then the fun began….. we started the design phase. Tony and Francisca took the initial concept and tailored it to the actual lot. Boy did they have patience. My only requirement was a large screened in porch with a fireplace but my husband had a life long dream for an observatory. One of his hobbies is astrophotography. The equipment can be heavy and the set up tedious. So his dream was to have a climate controlled area on the roof to set up and leave his equipment with a roll away roof. Yes I said a roll away roof. You would not believe the final design. It was perfect. Top level- access from his large office with open steps and the roll away roof. I could go on and on but let me just say that our experience with AV Architects has been wonderful. They are the full package. Realtor to find the lot, designer to create the dream, creative genius to customize the craziest requirements and genuine caring that made us feel like part of their family. Without reservation we would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants a beautiful well thought out dream home with a talented and caring team. We look forward to long term relationship with Tony and Francisca.

Our desire to build a new home began years ago. We struggled to find the right lot or house to remodel. What did not take long to decide was the architect and builder we wanted to use. After seeing several homes designed and built by AV Architects + Builders, we were confident they could deliver our dream home. The older home we finally purchased needed extensive repair, remodeling, and rebuilding. We changed the entire floor plan, several floor elevations and ceiling heights, significantly increased virtually all window, door, and interior openings, and brought the house up to code with today’s requirements. What could have been an extraordinarily difficult process – essentially building a brand-new home from the inside out – was made easy by Francisca, Tony, and their entire team. Being both the architect and builder, the design and construction flowed seamlessly. Everyone was always on the same page (including the numerous subcontractors), and Francisca and Tony perfectly anticipated and accommodated our participation in making design decisions along the way. With their very friendly style and personal touch, they sought to really get to know us and our vision for the home. At times of uncertainty, their direction consistently proved to be exactly the right choice. We wanted unique and AV Architects + Builders delivered. Francisca and her team gave us many highly customized, unexpected options such as a large, spa-like master shower, floating modern stairs, floating fireplace ledge, and double thick kitchen counters. The result is a modern, yet incredibly warm and inviting home. The attention to detail, quality of materials, and workmanship at every level was excellent. AV Architect delivered a home that was truly beyond our expectations. We wanted to be in our new home by Thanksgiving, and given all the challenges we faced, they made it happen. We could not be happier with our newly built custom home.

As an interior designer, I work with many architects and builders. AV Architects & Builders is one of the best! Francisca Alonso takes the time to listen to her clients to understand what their dream home looks like. Her designs are exceptional and creative. For me, one of my favorite parts of working with Francisca is that she educate her clients on the building process and incorporates virtual walk through of her designs. I highly recommend AV Architects & Builders for anyone looking to build a custom home.

Our experience working with AV Architects + Builders has been one of consistently high professionalism and superb customer care. Our project was huge and involved significantly redesigning existing space which, due to HOA covenants, had challenging constraints. Francisca and AV Architects did a spectacular job working within those constraints and producing architectural plans that aligned beautifully with our hopes and dreams for our home. This company is visionary with both structure and design and we are thrilled with the result.

My wife, Khanh, and I would like to enthusiastically refer AV Architects for any and all architectural matters, including recognition or honors for their outstanding design and build work these past 16 years. Their design quality, professionalism, and stellar performance is of the highest possible standard. Every important project they do, be it small or of grand scale, represents their incredible commitment and passion for their craft. Their integrity and care for their customers from the inception of the project to the final handover, is superb, bar none. We are proud to have lived across the street from Francisca and Tony Alonso, principals of AV Architects, for many years. We watched their four children grow up and we followed their careful planning to create their own special design firm along the way. In 2002, we had the honor of being their first professional client. They designed a very special deck for our back yard, which is approximately 1800 square feet, and of two levels, a stage area, and very unique design. For us, it was our dream deck, where we ultimately would spend 100’s of hours with family and close friends, including the Alonso’s, for many family events, parties, anniversaries, birthdays, business events, and even live bands. It is amazing how such a project as small as a backyard decker has brought such incredible memories for our extended family and friends - ones which we shall always cherish. We recall the incredible commitment from Francisca and Tony to every detail of our deck. Detailed planning, multiple bids for capable contractor assistance, informative meetings during the process at every stage. We were all younger then and this was a very big deal at the time! Our toddlers awaited the moment that the deck would be ready for birthday parties and family gatherings. Although a very small project in relation to what AV Architects are creating now - at that time, it was one of such great importance to us, as clients. They shared the entire design and build process with us along the way, and by the end we felt as if we educated architects ourselves. They even performed landscaping for us around the deck, above and beyond their scope. This is just a small but memorable attribute of the character of their organization, that was there from the beginning. We have fond memories of that process working with AV Architects, especially its principals. We are so fortunate, and proud, to have been the first customers of AV Architects in 2002, and are sure their are hundreds of stories like ours that followed - of large or small scale - about their professionalism, craftsmanship, commitment, integrity, and personal care and attention.

I have worked with and supplied AV Architects & Builders with windows and doors since 2008. They have consistently been one of the most professional and knowledgable builders we supply. Their attention to detail and requirement for quality materials make them one of our most respected clients. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in having their home designed and built with an eye on detail and emphasis on quality construction.

We have been working with Francisca for a while now and she never ceases to amaze us. She delivers quality work and sets a great example for the builder community.

AV Architects + Builders hired me to photograph their recent spec home. I've photographed many homes in my career, but nothing like this. Their creativity and design are second to none. You can tell they're passionate about what they do, because their execution is flawless. Their homes look like something out of a Home and Design magazine. I highly recommend them if you want a true custom built home. You will not be dissapointed!

We engaged AV Architects and Builders to design and build a custom pool house for year-round use. Francisca and her team worked with us closely to design a structure that was exactly what we were hoping for. Once the design was finished, AV was extremely helpful in the selection of materials that suited our taste and budget, and then oversaw construction in an attentive and detailed manner. It was a pleasure to work with AV, and we can recommend them highly to others considering similar projects.

I hired AV Architects & Builders over 10 years ago to do a total renovation of my home in Vienna. An addition to my home, total kitchen and bathroom redesign, deck and exterior redesign. Ten years later I can say i have never had an issue with their work, solid construction and everything still looks brand new. In fact i am about to hire them again for another project. They are creative, understand client needs and budget. THE BEST.

It was a great pleasure working with AV Architects on my kitchen renovation project. Francisca spent quality time with me during the planning phases of the project to ensure that I came up with the best possible design for our kitchen. She guided me through the selection process of cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, tiles, and paint colors. It was definitely a collaboration where she took my ideas and feedback and ran with them as well as adding design concepts I never would have thought of. She also was a great project manager and managed the workers to make sure the workmanship was up to her high standards. Quality is a key requirement for AV Architects and they insist on using products and materials which will last. The result is that my kitchen, which was completed 10 years ago, looks as good today as the day it was completed.

On-going in-home modifications and guesthouse build (not yet complete). Very professional design team that dealt with numerous challenges to existing house modifications and small guesthouse, in particular with dealing with permitting and zoning issues, and related to keeping homeowner informed. The only reason we didn't give a five-star rating is because we are not done with the project; we'll upgrade to 5 stars when it's all finished! They are pricey, and you don't have a clear idea of the breakdown of costs, but the cost has been worth it to make sure the project gets done right.

AV did a complete renovation of my home. They were totally professional and the project turned out beautiful. What I appreciated the most is that they took care of every detail. We just love the finished project and take great pride in showing it off,

I have known AV Architects + Builders for over three years. I was initially impressed with the company's culture and seeing their work later confirmed what I suspected about their culture. I then knew that someday I would become a customer and started searching for a home inside the Beltway that could be demolished and a new home built. I looked at several homes and even consulted with Francisca to get her professional opinion on issues that may arise if I bought the lot to build a home. Her feedback helped me move forward with the purchase of a lot. We are wrapping up the design phase and obtaining permits and will begin construction soon. I selected AV Architects + Builders because of their values, the quality of their work, and their vision. I did not consult with any other firm because of the high level of trust I had, their professionalism, and the quality of their work as I was able to observe it. I am not second-guessing my decision and remain confident in my decision.

AV Architects + Builders designed and built a two story addition to our home, including a new family room, breakfast room, and re-designing our existing family room into a mudroom and kid's study downstairs; and a new master bedroom, and re-designing the existing master bedroom into two walk-in closets, sitting room, and upstairs laundry room. This addition improved our storage, and the flow of our home tremendously. It made it perfect for a family with three growing boys and two big dogs. Having the architect manage the project from beginning to end was a huge benefit. It made it so the contractor had a stake in earning another contract (rather than a one and done situation, with little incentive to keep the customer happy). This made for very responsive contractor, who stayed on top of the job from start to finish.

We just finished a kitchen renovation with Av Architects and Builders and I can't say enough about the gorgeous job they did. Francisca was AMAZING! She helped bring everything together from the back splash, granite island and new tile floor. She was so easy to work with, she really took into consideration my floor plan, taste and daily living patterns and it is all reflected in the materials and their quality, not to mention her fabulous taste. The job was also scheduled, and completed earlier than expected, her staff is very prompt and efficient. This job was so well organized and her company left nothing undone. Francisca has a great eye for building and renovating and we will definitely use her in the future for more projects. The Featherstone Family

At Tilson Group, we just love working with AV Architects and Builders. They have a great understanding of what their clients needs wants and desires are and can communicate them effectively. Tilson Group provided Landscape Architectural design and installation services for their project in Falls Church, Virginia. AV Architects and Builders client was please with the design and installation of landscaping for their house and we were so glad to be part of the process.

My fiance and I met with Francisca & Tony after we got engaged to discuss rebuilding on our property. The 800 sq ft brick house I owned wasn't going to be big enough for us & our 3 dogs! The design phase was a lot of fun and very detailed, but never overwhelming. We went away to get married the same week our house was demo'd and 8 short months later were back on our property in our dream home!! What I love most about the house is the kitchen, the stairwell, the windows, the mudroom, the dog wash station in the mudroom... I love it all :-) Francisca & Tony think of all the little things that add so much detail and really make a home feel finished. If I ever build another home I know who to call!

I have had the pleasure of working with Francisca and her team as her cabinetry representative. I continue to be blown away at the level of service, professionalism and detail she gives each customer. She takes the time to listen to her customers wants and needs, then couples that with her diverse and extensive professional knowledge to make their dreams come to reality!

We hired AV Architects/Builders to expand and update our 1980 brick colonial. The project consisted of a complete renovation and reconfiguration of the kitchen and 3 baths, the relocation of a laundry room, the construction of a mud room and a 2-level addition including a bathroom suite on the upper level. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Francisca and her team at AV. Francisca is familiar with current trends, but also considers the efficiency and effectiveness of the natural flow within a house. The contractors at AV were all professional and considerate. Our concerns with such a large project were budget and timeliness. We were pleasantly surprised and pleased that we were able to move back into our "new" home on time and without any budget overruns. We are 100% happy with the work AV has done in our home and highly recommend the team.

Francisca, Toni and their entire crew made all this project easy by working closely with us. My best experience with the was finding our countertop, which i love but was tough to find because we wanted something very specific. Francisca was excellent at interpreting my ideas and making them real. We posted a review before but wanted to post pictures.

We were very fortunate to use AV Architects to handle our kitchen, mud room and bath remodel. Francisca's designs were perfect, both functional and elegant. She completed the work on time and within budget. We truly appreciate that she was with us every step of the journey, both in our home and in every store we visited. Francisca not only helped create our vision, but delivered it flawlessly. AV Architects is a great company. We plan to be lifelong customers and consider them a part of our family. Bill and Michelle K.

We selected AV Design Build to create a new kitchen in our 1954 New England Salt Box home in Northern Virginia. We interviewed four firms, but selected AV because they understood us better than anyone. We wanted a firm that could create a completely new kitchen that replaced the existing small kitchen and one car garage, but could do so within a reasonable budget and still achieve a combination of an updated modern space that would blend with the traditional character of the house. They achieved our dream within the expected time frame. We love our new kitchen and we are enjoying every piece in it, which was chosen with their guidance and expertise. We were very lucky to find a firm who could combine the architectural design, the contracting and the development of the project. The combination made all the process smoother.

Finding the right architect is never an easy process,, but when we met AV Architects our problems were solved. They helped us visualize the potential of our home and helped us stay within our budget. AV Architects are true Solution Builders.

AV Architects provided an innovative solution to our remodeling needs. They were far more engaged with us than other companies who gave us designs and estimates. We met all our design objectives within the budget we set for the project. The construction phase stayed on time. AV Architects addressed all issues in a timely fashion. We would definitely engage them for future remodeling needs.

"When you don't have a lot of money to spend for your renovation you have to be creative". That was what sold me on AV architect, Francisca Alonso. We changed the whole feel and flow of our home with the addition of an 8 foot hallway and kitchen renovation. The addition of the hallway allowed us to open up the back of the house letting light in and incorporating outdoor living space to our home. We were very pleased with the entire process from start to finish. Francisca was wonderful to work with. How many people can say that their archectect/builder became their good friend ....we can.

We have completed three significant projects with AV Architects & Builders and have been extremely satisfied. They redesigned and built our kitchen and master bath several years back. In our second project, they finished redesigning and building our family room, children's lounge and basement. More recently, they designed and built a significant screened-in-porch with a fireplace. All of our projects were completed on time and were delivered as promised.

I am a designer for a custom closet company. I have been working with Francisca Alonso of AV Architects on various projects since 2006. I love collaborating with her because she is extremely easy to work with and the projects always go very smoothly. I HIGHLY recommend Francisca Alonso and AV Architects. They do some amazing renovations and are a fantastic company to deal with.